Game Day Build-Up: Senators vs Comets – November 14, 2021

Presented by Carpenters Union Local 397

The Set-Up:

The Belleville Senators will face perhaps their toughest test of the season on Sunday afternoon. Not only is the team trying to work in new players, because of all the recent call-ups to Ottawa, but they’ll also have to try and tame the only unbeaten team in the American Hockey League so far, the Utica Comets. The good news for the Senators, is that they are coming off an impressive 3-2 win over the Bridgeport Islanders on Saturday night and may take some confidence from that result. The Comets, meanwhile, are a perfect 9-0-0-0 to start the season and beat the Rocket 5-3 in Laval on Saturday.

Previous History:

The Senators and Comets have played 18 times in Belleville’s history, though the colours of the Utica uniforms will be different tonight. The Comets now wear the red and black of the New Jersey Devils, after an affiliation switch from Vancouver prior to the start of the season. Belleville’s lifetime record against Utica is 10-8-0-0, with a 6-4-0-0 record at CAA Arena. Their last meeting was back on February 21, 2020, when the Comets picked up a 6-3 win in Belleville.

Roster Notes:

There were no transactions between Saturday night and Sunday morning, so for the first time in a few days, there are no new names to be added to Belleville’s roster. However, there will be some juggling of the forward lines as Head Coach Troy Mann looks to build some chemistry. The only change to the lineup sees Cole Fraser making his Belleville Sens debut, in place of Matt Murphy, with Kevin Mandolese starting in goal after Mads Sogaard made 32 saves.

Who to Watch:

Saturday’s goal scorers will be worth keeping an eye on again on Sunday afternoon. Cody Goloubef scored in his return to the Senators lineup Saturday, after signing a PTO this week, while Chris Wilkie scored in his Belleville debut, after being traded from Rockford and arriving less than two hours before puck. Roby Jarventie also found the net, tipping home the game-winner for his third goal of the season.

For Utica, Ottawa native Graeme Clarke is riding a five game point streak (three goals, two assists), including a goal last night that sealed the Comets ninth straight win. Forward Chase De Leo is tied for second in assists in the AHL, with 11 in seven games played and goaltender Akira Schmid (who is expected to start on Sunday) has the best goals against average in the league at 1.31.

Where to Watch:

Tonight’s game starts at 3:00 p.m. ET and can be heard on the Belleville Sens official broadcast partner 800 AM CJBQ, with Jack Miller and David Foot (Broadcast time is 2:50 p.m.). The game can also be streamed live on AHL TV.

Don’t forget to download the Belleville Senators app before game time and follow the Sens social media for updates.

Ticket info:

Single game tickets for the 2021-22 Belleville Senators season are now on sale and can be purchased via Ticketmaster, by stopping by the CAA Arena Box Office. Season Ticket Memberships and Flex Packs are also available with more information available at bellevillesens.com.